We recently relocated to the Dallas area and can't decide about which ISD to put our autistic son in. We are looking at Plano ISD and Garland ISD and Las Colinas. Any suggestions.
Thank you all for your information. It will come in handy as we consider where we move. Most of you responded that Plano was the best district. Some of you also mentioned Richardson ISD also. We will let you know if we decide to move what we think of our new school district. Sincerely, R. T.
We relocated April 1st. My daughter, 5.5 yrs, had been recv'g speech therapy for 3 yrs. I researched the PPCD programs and we decided the best for her needs was the Richardson ISD. She attended pre-K PPCD at Jess Harben and is now moving on to kindergarten at Big Springs. I worked with Kathy Westmoreland from the RISD - great lady. Pls feel free to contact me with any more questions or concerns. G.
Definitely Plano ISD. Hickey Elementary has a great program.
I have heard some good things about the Richardson ISD. I work with many parents who have kids with special needs who go to school in that district and they have had positive comments. Of course, I think alot depends on the individual school.
Plano Isd has excellent programs for autistic kids..dooley elementary is one of them..
Rashmi
Math Teacher
Without a doubt... Plano. Preferably the central west side. I have a document from the autism support group in this area where a mom talked to other moms and researched all the plano schools to see which ones are good and bad in the PISD. PISD is known for it's special education programming. We moved here specifically for it as my son has Down syndrome. We've had to do some battling in the IEP, but we've always gotten what we wanted. My son just finished two years in the PISD integrated PPCD program and we just loved it. He starts Kindergarten in the Fall and his K teacher used to be a speech path. so we are very blessed. I hear scary things about Dallas ISD all the time. Recently, a boys with Down syndrome was sexually assaulted by classmates on a fieldtrip. Garland I don't that much about, I've heard mixed things about them.
Hope this helps, if you want that document about the PISD schools let me know.
R.
Hello, R. T. We live near White Rock Lake in DISD and we have 2 girls (4) and (8). Our 8 year old has sensory integration dysfunction, developmental delay, congenital hydrocephalus and PDD. We love the DISD elementary school in our neighborhood, but we're not excited about middle school. So, we'll be moving within the next year. I have heard wonderful things about Plano as far as special education. However, my parents live near Mesquite and I don't want to move too far from them as they are getting on in age and my stepfather has alzheimer's. Therefore, we've been looking in Lake Highlands (RISD where I grew up) and Garland. We are leaning more to Garland because they have what's called "school choice" there. As long as you live within their school district you can choose any school you like as long as there's room. I spoke with a friend's mother who is a counselor for GISD and she says they have a good special ed program. Another reason we're leaning more toward Garland is the houses. You can certainly get a lot more square footage for your dollar in Garland. We're used to having a big yard because we spend so much time outdoors and most of the houses within our price range in Lake Highlands had really puny yards. I have also been told that RISD has a good program but you need to live in North Richardson for the best schools in that district. I know a woman who is an educational consultant. She helps families find the right school (private or public) for their child. Let me know if you'd like her name and number.
just as a suggestion - our church has opened up a new school for children with special needs - it is called the st. timothy academt and is located in plano at christ church - http://sttimothyacademy.org/
hope this helps - i went through pisd (not special needs) and loved it though
Hi R.! I also have an autistic son, age 3. He is in the preschool program at Beaty Early Childhood in Plano and it is WONDERFUL!! He loves it and I love the staff! They are so helpful and friendly! The kids go to school either in the mornings from 8am to 11am or from 1pm to 3pm. If your child is preschool age, I strongly recommend Beaty!!!! If not, the Wells school district in Plano is a great school also. Beaty feeds into this school and I have heard nothing but good things!
I have been looking for childcare in the area and I have had a difficult time finding someone for evenings and weekends, so if you know of anyone, please let me know!!! We just moved to the area in March and don't know many people! Good luck! If you have any other questions, please let me know!
S.
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Hi R.,
Welcome to Dallas! I also have an autistic son. I have him in Dallas ISD, and it's very challenging at times. I have heard that Plano ISD has a very good autism dept.
Here's the link to their special ed dept http://www.pisd.edu/students/special.education/index.shtml.
Hope this helps.
